Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens After Diwali Celebrations
Following massive Diwali celebrations across the national capital, the air quality in Delhi dropped drastically on Monday night. Out of the 38 AQI monitoring stations, 36 reported readings in the red zone, reflecting ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ pollution levels.
By 10 PM, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 344, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality. Four key areas — Dwarka (417), Ashok Vihar (404), Wazirpur (423), and Anand Vihar (404) — registered ‘severe’ levels above 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Delhi Records AQI of 345 — Higher Than Sunday’s Reading
According to official data from the CPCB, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI at 4 PM was 345, worsening from 326 the previous day.
Earlier in the afternoon, 31 stations reported ‘very poor’ air quality, while three had already entered the ‘severe’ zone.
Experts predict that pollution levels will further rise on Tuesday and Wednesday, with dense smog expected to blanket the city due to stagnant weather and low wind speed.
AQI Categories Explained
The CPCB classifies air quality into six major categories:
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0–50: Good
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51–100: Satisfactory
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101–200: Moderate
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201–300: Poor
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301–400: Very Poor
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401–500: Severe
Anything above 400 poses serious health risks, especially for children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory illnesses.
Major Pollution Sources Identified
Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) revealed that transport emissions were responsible for 15.6% of Delhi’s total pollution on Monday.
Industries and other sources contributed 23.3%, while firecracker residue and stubble burning added to the worsening air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had already invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Sunday to curb emissions. This includes restrictions on construction activity, waste burning, and the use of diesel generators.
Supreme Court’s Green Firecracker Guidelines
Earlier, on October 15, the Supreme Court of India had permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during limited hours —
from 6 AM to 7 PM, and again from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali eve and the festival day.
Despite the restrictions, pollution levels soared, showing that even limited firecracker use can have a major impact on Delhi’s already fragile air quality.
Experts Warn of Health Hazards
Environmental experts and doctors have warned that the current AQI levels could cause breathing problems, eye irritation, and asthma attacks, urging residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and avoid outdoor exercise.
Authorities expect a gradual improvement only after wind speed increases or rainfall disperses pollutants in the coming days.
